The festivities...

The durbar is a colourful, vibrant parade that is interesting and entertaining to watch. But the best bit of the two days, for me, was the people-watching. Once again, in Nigeria, that means the people that I watch and the people who watch me!

Everywhere you go there are people who want to act as your guide. Folks who are eager to ensure that you are enjoying the occasion and that you understand what is going on. A teacher sitting behind us frequently tapped my shoulder to inform us who was coming and fill-in various bits of history and culture. It surprised me that I got swept up in the emotion of the Emir's arrival. The crowd had been becoming increasingly excited as the more senior participants arrived - arms shot into the air with rounded fists as a sign of respect to those passing. As the huge umbrella of the Emir approached, the palpable excitment had me scrambling up on to my seat to catch a glimpse of this much-revered man. The afternoon ended with a 'pitch-invasion' and general mayhem befitting of the emotion.

As we walked home, and throughout the 2 days really, we met people who asked whether we had enjoyed the festival. Nigerians are rightly proud of this magnificent event and all the proud history and culture that prompts it.